The Haywards were really on the leading edge of modern living back in those days - females couldn't even wear pants to school!  We often forget that women were further behind obtaining equality than people of color--at least in the USA--and that women were just beginning to be able to get their own places to live away from the protection of a husband or father.

In addition to the 'long hair prejudice', there was another stigma about who were living together.  At least in the USA, there were expectations that people would just 'get it over with' and not make a big deal of having a big ceremony, the bride shouldn't wear white, etc.  Even having a wedding shower was questionable.  It's likely that Justin and Marie probably had the same lower expectations up front but felt the injustice anyway. 

We can't imagine that today - things have really come a long way.

It took a generation of people like them to break down a lot of the prejudices and silly conventions of the times.  Their garb would probably be considered overdressed today!

Edited 1 time by Taranberk 10/16/10 10:07:58.